Short Takes: Sanders to testify in same-sex marriage trial

Go to elephantodyssey.com to learn more about elephant exhibit. Users of the iPhone can review the application at http://ow.ly/TmE3 on the iTunes store.

Mike Lee

Scripps scientists part of grant-winning team

LA JOLLA: Two scientists at the Scripps Institution of Oceanography in La Jolla are part of a research team that won a $1.2 million federal grant to develop methods for quantifying regional greenhouse-gas emissions.

The importance of measuring such gases, which fuel global warming, is growing as more laws are being passed to try to address climate change and as markets emerge for companies to exchange “emissions credits.”

Scripps, which is part of the University of California San Diego, announced the award Wednesday. Two geochemistry professors from the campus, Ray Weiss and Ralph Keeling, will join colleagues at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory in the Bay Area for a three-year project that uses continuous measurements of atmospheric greenhouse gases detected at La Jolla and Trinidad Head on the Northern California coast.

Computer models at the Livermore lab will help the researchers analyze those measurements and track detected gases back to their sources.

Their new grant comes from the National Institute of Standards and Technology.

Mike Lee

Comedy show to benefit school band, color guard

CHULA VISTA: Bonita Vista High School’s Club Blue is hosting a comedy benefit to raise funds for travel costs for the school’s band and color guard.

Four comedians will perform at Mayan Hall at Southwestern College on Saturday in an effort to help the school. Mark Christopher Lawrence, a regular on the NBC series “Chuck,” will headline the show. Lawrence also had roles in films such as “The Pursuit of Happyness,” “The Island” and “Christmas with the Kranks.”

The event is family-oriented and also will include performances by Danny Villalpando, Vicki Barbolak and Jimmy Burns.

Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door. The show begins at 7 p.m. Saturday in Mayan Hall, 900 Otay Lakes Road. For more information, call (619) 630-9467 or go to clubbluebvhs.org.

TANYA SIERRA

Flu vaccinations, other shots offered at airport

SAN DIEGO: People passing through San Diego International Airport now can get vaccinated for swine flu, seasonal flu and six other travel-related illnesses.

The inoculations are being offered by Pacifica Health and Medical, a medical services company in San Diego, at four kiosks in terminals 1 and 2 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. daily. Because the kiosks are within the airport’s secured zones, the shots are available only to ticketed passengers and airport employees.

The charge for the H1N1 influenza vaccine is $13.50 for county residents and $15 for others. Vaccination also is available for hepatitis A and B, pneumonia, typhoid, tetanus and meningococcal disease. Shots will be offered at least through February, airport spokeswoman Katie Jones said.

Keith Darcé

Future of region subject of forum set for Jan. 30

EL CAJON: A forum to discuss the future of the San Diego region will be held Jan. 30 in El Cajon.

The forum, sponsored by the San Diego Foundation, is titled “The Challenges and Opportunities of Imagining the Future of the Greater San Diego Region.” It is co-hosted by the El Cajon Community Development Corp.

There will be three presentations on regional issues, followed by an hour of discussion. Introductory remarks will be made by Jerry Hoffmeister, chair of the San Diego Foundation board of governors; Jennifer Adams-Brooks, vice chair of the San Diego Foundation board of governors; and Bill Geppert, chair of the San Diego Regional Economic Development Corp.

The forum will be at the Ronald Reagan Center at 195 E. Douglas Ave. in El Cajon. A breakfast begins at 8:30 a.m., with the program scheduled from 9 to 11 a.m. Those interested should respond by Friday to regionalvision@sdfoundation.org.